alternative energy

As the North Carolina legislature tries to wrap up its summer session, subsidies for renewable energy are on the chopping block. The state’s hog farming industry could be affected if the subsidies are removed.

Right now, North Carolina state law says utilities have to produce at least 6% of their energy from renewable sources. The law also requires that percentage to climb to a peak of 12.5% by 2021. In order to meet these standards, the state subsidizes the effort.

As New Hanover County and City of Wilmington officials hand out financial incentives to companies they hope to keep in the Cape Fear region, the state is also considering the effectiveness of incentives.